Outline

Overview

As the culminating design studio for the degree, the capstone project combines knowledge, criteria and methods of the disciplines of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Architectural Science. Students are presented with the opportunity to express and represent their own positioning through the analysis for and design of a sufficiently complex building, city structure, or town centre. The studio consolidates the students' abilities in identifying and solving problems and critical aspects for architecture and the built environment using a range of advanced modelling, simulation and optimisation techniques and methods. The aim for students is to produce an integrated and compelling pre-professional project prompted by the critical reflection of the built environment. With completion of this unit, students demonstrate their understanding of a spectrum of the built environment. By specialising in a select suite of these aspects, students prepare for career pathways as offered by the school's full range of postgraduate courses.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	(BAEN2001 or BAEN2011) and (BAEN2002 or BAEN2021) and (BAEN3001 or BAEN3601)
Corequisites ?	BADP3002
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Genevieve Murray, genevieve.murray@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Assessment 01_PART A INDIVIDUAL DIGITAL SUBMISSION ONLY Format: A3 PDF Landscape - My Place – Sketched Plan & Section + 150-300 word Reflection - In-Class Reflective Task – 400-900 Words - Existing Architectural Drawing Set (Base Drawings Provided)	10%	Week 02 Due date: 12 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Nov 2025	8 x A3 Pages Landscape	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 01_Part B Group Work (Groups of Two) Presentations: Wednesday, September 3rd 9am-3pm - Task D: Site Analyses & Counter-map - Task E: Site Strategy Plan (1:500 Architecture) /Precinct Strategy Plan (1:1000 Urban) - A 400-word summary statement	10%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Nov 2025	5 x A3 pages + 8 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Assessment 02 Site plan and section 1:200 1:100 plan drawings of key areas 1:100 elevation drawings of key areas (as many as required) 1 x 1:100 sectional perspective drawing 1 x External perspective rendering A curated selection of the 1:500 Model (extension work)	30%	Week 09 Due date: 07 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Nov 2025	9+ x A3 Pages + Peer Review Workshop	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 03 Curated selection of Assessments 01 + 02 Model(s) Architectural or Urban Drawing Set of Design work Reflection + Design Guidelines	50%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2025	10-20 pages A3 + Model + 8 min pres.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Asssessment 01 Part A: Individual Assessment that is the culmination of three tasks. Two in-class exercises, One homework. Task A is an exercise about belonging and place, students will draw a place that is special to them. Task B is an in-class reflection based on Guest Lecture series. Task C are Existing Drawing set of their proposed site based on supplied DWG.

Assessment 01 Part B: Group Assessment that is the culmination of both in-class and home based work. In groups students will undertake a Site Analysis and Countermap based on their site visit. They will then bring these together with the design brief and create a Site Strategy Plan (Architecture) or Precinct Strategy Plan (Urban).

Assessment 02: The Schematic Peer Review Workshop is an opportunity for students to present and get feedback on their Schematic Design Proposals. The submission includes an option extension exercise.

Assessment 03: The final submission and presentation includes a curated selection of their Assessment 01 & 02 work, a set of design drawings and models and an 8 minute presentation to a guest panel.

Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Capstone Lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	My Place	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	Field Trip & Site Visit	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 03	Counter Mapping & Site Strategy	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Guest Lecture: Burgess Architects & Yerrabingin Designing with Country	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Site Strategy & Draft Assessment 01	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	Assessment 01	Presentation (6 hr)
Week 06	Guest Lecture: Trial & Fab Pre-Fab	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Planning, Program & Precedents	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Planning & Process	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Iterations	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	Guest Lecture: Material Matters	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Iterations	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	Assessment 02	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 10	Capstone Lecture: Skin & Bones	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Iterations	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	Graduation Pitch	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Iterations	Tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Draft Assessment 03	Tutorial (6 hr)
Week 13	Assessment 3: Final-review & Presentation	Presentation (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Consult your tutor

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of civic place making
LO2. conceive of an architectural or urban solution in response to the social, political, cultural and ecological context of the site
LO3. conceive an architectural or urban solution in response to a brief and existing context tied to disciplinary design guidelines
LO4. create design guidelines in response to the disciplinary stream and in reference to the local and regional urban planning contexts
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the architectural, architectural science and urban planning approaches to design and demonstrate an understanding of their interrelationship through design solutions in response to the brief
LO6. participate in, and contribute to, tutorials, workshops, field-trips, site visits and group work
LO7. communicate the outcomes of design process and design outcomes through effective & accurate 2D, 3D, material and verbal communication.
LO8. contribute to the discourse within tutorial, lectures and workshops to demonstrate an understanding of the assessment tasks and engagement with the content being delivered.
LO9. demonstrate effective engagement with the studio, the ability to manage and meet deadlines and contribute to class culture by turning up to class on time with work to contribute.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) - 2.1 (PC17). Have an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design. 2.1 (PC18). Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three dimensional form and spatial quality. 2.1 (PC26). Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research. 2.1 (PC27). Understand how to embed the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, shared through engagement processes, into the conceptual design in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way. 3.1 (PC45). Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made to adjust the assessments and the schedule to enable a more balanced workload and collaborative learning environments.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BAEN3002: Design Integration Lab: Capstone

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links